Heading into week four, it is becoming clearer and clearer that both the OFC and OVFL should feature some interesting stretch runs. Sure it’s only week four but in both leagues there is a major glut in the middle of the standings, as each week takes on more significance in terms of the playoff seeding and the ever important byes and home field. This week several games jump out and we take a look at them in the #CFC10 Summer Previews and Predictions.
VARSITY (UNDER 20) PREDICTIONS WEEK 4:
#7 BURLINGTON STAMPEDERS (2-0) @ BRANTFORD BISONS (2-1) Fri. June 12th 20h00
THE MATCHUP: The Brantford Bisons came into the season hoping to build off their 2014 successes and contend for top honours. Everything started according to plan as the Bisons kicked off the season in impressive fashion, knocking off Twin Cities and Guelph setting up a battle of unbeatens with two time defending champs the Hamilton Hurricanes. Up 14-11 at the half, the Bisons looked poised to establish a new world order in the OFC south. Unfortunately things soured…and quickly. On the first play from scrimmage the Hurricanes broke a 64 yard TD run and Brantford never recovered.
After dominating the JV scene, the Stampeders are starting to see a lot of those players moving up to varsity and it shows. The Stamps appear to be amongst the OFC elite as a young, but talented core of players are maturing very quickly. The Stamps have outscored opponents 80-12 so far and Brantford should serve as their first test.
BRANTFORD PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Matt Krason, REC Andre Toic, RB Tristan Almas, DB Ben Crocock
BURLINGTON PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Nathan Rourke, RB Dom Mandalfino
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: There has to be a bit of a hangover for Brantford, the game went south in a hurry as running back Tristan Almas and safety Ben Crocock missed the second half last week and a 14-11 lead quickly became 39-14. To have any chance, the Bisons will need Crocock and Almas at full strength and even if they are this Stamp team may be too much.
FINAL SCORE: BURLINGTON 28 BRANTFORD 21
OSHAWA HAWKEYES (2-0) @ CUMBERLAND PANTHERS (2-1) Sat. June 13th 17h00
THE MATCHUP: The Cumberland Panthers ot a much needed win against the Toronto Thunder last week and thrust themselves into the middle of playoff talk. Speaking of playoff talk Oshawa, off to a 2-0 start have playoff aspirations of their own. The winner in this one will have the inside track at a home playoff game.
OSHAWA PLAYERS TO WATCH: LB Nico Isovski, LB Drue Moore, QB Kyle Baronet
CUMBERLAND PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Baxter Balthazar, #CFC100Β and OPC REC Kurleigh Gittens Jr., RB Quintin Gregory, DB Khadeem Pierre, LB Patrick Madore, LB Jaryd Rushford
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: This should be a tight and exciting affair. The Hawkeyes are for real and this Panther squad looks to be their best in a few years. Very even on paper, the X-factor in this one is receiver and all around talent Kurleigh Gittens Jr. The most electrifying player on the field he puts Cumberland in a position to win any game and he will be the difference in this one.
FINAL SCORE: CUMBERLAND 24 OSHAWA 14
#7 LONDON JR MUSTANGS (2-1) @ #2 NIAGARA SPEARS (2-0) Sat. June 6th 19h00 University of Windsor
THE MATCHUP: The London Jr Mustangs lost a thriller last week against Essex 45-43, unfortunately for them they have absolutely no time to dwell on the loss as they get set to do battle in a top ten showdown against an always tough Spears team. Cole Kussman has already rushed for six TDs and has amassed 568 yards in the process and with QB Tristan Arndt firing 6 TDs vs. no picks so far, London can score on anyone. We said it last week and it was reinforced against Essex, these Mustangs can score but can they stop the opponent from doing likewise.
Niagara started the season knocking of Essex to climb in the standings and now have the opportunity to play another “statement” game only four weeks into the season. The Spears boast great depth in the backfield with Daniel Francis, Cameron McDonald and Matteo Pennacchietti have shared the rushing load and all three have been effective.
LONDON PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Cole Kussman, QB Tristan Arndt, RB Brentyne AndersonBrown, DB Noah Hallett, DB Jordan Carter
NIAGARA PLAYERS TO WATCH: DB Kam McNeil, DL Lukas Brennan, EC Jordan Terrio, REC Colin O’Connor
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: London has their second high scoring, tight affair in two weeks. The difference is they leave with the W in this one.
FINAL SCORE: LONDON 31 NIAGARA 28
#6 ESSEX RAVENS (2-1) @ #4 SAULT STE. MARIE SABERCATS (3-0) Sat. June 6th 19h00
THE MATCHUP: In what may be the biggest game for the Sabercats in several seasons, they host perennial power Essex in a classic top ten slugfest.
SSM PLAYERS TO WATCH: REC Austin Wesley,, QB Evan Bodnar, RB Justin Senecal, DB Domenic Gervaasi, DB Lautaro Frecha LB Michael Reid
ESSEX PLAYERS TO WATCH: RB Braeden Braccio, QB Anthony Bontorin, LB Erik Erickson, DL Lowhya Lako, REC Alex Bornais
WHAT WILL HAPPEN: If you like old school football you will LOVE this one. Essex likes to line up and bully their opponent and the Sault, led by their top ranked D will be up for a brawl. The long trip will take a toll on Eseex and the Sault should have a very solid crowd behind them. Look for the Sabercats to continue their winning ways, in what some might call an upset.
FINAL SCORE: SSM 22 ESSEX 20
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